Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which doctor should be
consulted for Meningitis?
You can consult a neurologist and general physician.

2. Is Meningitis Contagious?
Yes, some bacteria and virus causing meningitis are infectious and spread from
one person to another. When an infected person coughs, sneezes, laughs, talks
the infecting particles become airborne and can spread to another. Sharing
food, drinking glasses, utensils, tissues, towels can transmit the infection.
Some infectious organisms are also present in the stool of the infected person
and can spread to someone who comes in contact with the stool.

3. Is there a high-risk
group for contracting the disease?
Individuals who are suffering from immuno suppressive disorders like HIV,
diabetes, malignancies and those on immunosuppressants can contract the disease
easily. Similarly young children and the elderly, household contacts of
patients, military recruits, college students living in close quarters are at
risk of getting the disease.

4. Are there Vaccines against Meningitis?
Yes. There is a vaccine against a bacteria-causing meningitis called the
Hemophilus influenza type B vaccine (HiB vaccine). Hib vaccine is one of the
childhood vaccines given at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, and 12-15 months of
age. Hib vaccine is also given to the high-risk group. But the vaccine protects
against meningitis caused by this bacteria. Also, the pneumococcal conjugate
vaccine is very effective at preventing pneumococcal meningitis.

5. What are the Complications of meningitis?

The complications of bacterial meningitis can include
problems such as hearing loss, visual impairment, seizures, and learning
disabilities in children. Tiredness, repeated headaches and concentration
problems can occur. Mood swings, aggression, balance problems and clumsiness
are some complications that generally resolve in few days time. Viral
meningitis generally resolves without any after effects.

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please explain the pathophysiology of meningitis.DR.KABERIA Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Meningitis is a dangerous disease. My son had meningitis and we stayed in the hospital for 32 days. It is very costly too! The medicines are expensive. We almost lost him, too. Good thing the doctors are very good.ennairam_23 Tuesday, February 01, 2011